In a tense exchange that has sent shockwaves through political circles, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the revocation of a student visa for a Columbia University student accused of promoting Hamas. During a live interview on CBS, Rubio faced off against a reporter who pressed for evidence linking the student to terrorism. The Secretary’s response was blunt and unyielding: “If you tell us when you apply for a visa that you’re coming to participate in pro-Hamas events, we never would have given you the visa.”

The confrontation escalated as Rubio criticized the notion of free speech for those allegedly advocating for terrorism, asserting that the U.S. does not welcome individuals who undermine national security. “We want to get rid of gang members. We don’t want terrorists in America,” he declared, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to visa revocations for anyone violating the terms of their entry.

Rubio’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of foreign students and their political activities in the U.S., igniting fierce debate over the balance between free speech and national security. The Secretary’s forceful stance has drawn both support and criticism, as advocates for free expression question the implications of targeting individuals based on their political views.

As tensions rise on college campuses nationwide, this incident underscores the administration’s hardline approach to immigration and security. The fallout from this exchange could have lasting implications for how universities handle political activism and the rights of international students in the U.S. With the Secretary’s vow to continue visa revocations, the message is clear: the U.S. is tightening its grip on who can enter and remain in the country, and the consequences for those who cross the line could be severe. Stay tuned as this story develops.